LG, SK, Samsung eye US LFP battery production amid China's dominance

Korea’s top three battery manufacturers are ramping up efforts to increase production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the United States, challenging China’s dominance in the global market for these lower-cost products. Given the U.S. push to reduce reliance on Chinese goods amid trade tensions under the Donald Trump administration, LG Energy Solution (LGES), SK On and Samsung SDI have recently shifted their focus to LFP batteries — despite being highly proficient in producing advanced nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries known for their superior energy density and performance. LGES is set to begin mass production of LFP batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) in late 2027 by upgrading the Tennessee battery cell manufacturing facility of Ultium Cells, its joint venture with General Motors. This move follows the Korean firm's start of mass production of LFP batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) at its Michigan plant last month. According to Ultium Cells, conversion of battery cell lines at the Tennessee plant will begin later this year. The joint venture’s OhioWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times